New entrance and exit ramps have opened along Interstate 81 southbound at North Clinton Street in Syracuse, New York, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The new ramps are designed to improve access to the city’s Northside and Inner Harbor neighborhoods. Additionally, a newly constructed Spencer Street bridge is now open, offering enhanced features for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Governor Hochul said, “From the very start of the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project our goal has been to strengthen the connections that tie the communities of Central New York together, and we are working every day to achieve it. The new ramps and reconstructed bridge create easy-to-navigate gateways to the Northside and Inner Harbor in the City of Syracuse, improving access for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and making life easier and safer for the thousands of residents and commuters who rely on these routes to get where they need to go every day.”
The project is part of a larger effort known as the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project. This initiative represents the largest construction undertaking by the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in its history. According to NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, “The I-81 Viaduct Project is already transforming the movement of people and goods around Central New York, and these newest upgrades to the transportation infrastructure in Syracuse will bring sweeping new access to some of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, downtown Syracuse, and the education and employment hub on University Hill. They also move us a big step closer to the goal of removing an elevated highway that has cast a shadow over this community for decades.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon commented on this milestone: “As the 81 project ultimately transforms Syracuse, Onondaga County and Central New York, today marks an important milestone in this historic project and I want to thank everyone who helped make today possible.” He added, “Providing safe, reliable and modern infrastructure is a central tenant of government at every level. It also requires partnerships and my administration will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on that core responsibility.”
The new ramps simplify highway access by eliminating multiple merge points for drivers. They provide direct entry to businesses and residences along North Clinton Street as well as alternative routes for those heading toward destinations such as Destiny USA or Franklin Square.
With these changes, previous off-ramps at Spencer Street/Catawba Street from I-81 southbound as well as Genant Drive’s on-ramp are no longer operational.
The rebuilt Spencer Street bridge replaces one that closed last year but extends more than 30 feet longer than its predecessor. It now includes wider sidewalks—ten feet across on one side—and a shared use path on its north side. The bridge serves drivers, pedestrians, cyclists accessing neighborhoods like Little Italy or Sedgwick; medical facilities such as St. Joseph’s Health Hospital; local attractions including NBT Bank Stadium; as well as connecting users with waterfront amenities in Syracuse.
Further improvements in nearby areas are expected by late 2026. These include new Bear and Court Street bridges; reconstruction efforts on North Clinton Street; modifications affecting West Bear Street; changes aimed at better access points for I-690 westbound; plus improved connectivity with regional trails.
The I-81 Viaduct Project forms part of Governor Hochul’s broader infrastructure plan under NYSDOT’s $34.3 billion five-year capital program intended to modernize transportation systems statewide through both federal and state funding sources.
City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh stated,“Improving access to the Inner Harbor and making better pedestrian and cycle routes for Northside residents has been a high priority for the City of Syracuse. Our team worked closely with the DOT’s 81 Project team, and these improvements demonstrate the State listened. I thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for their partnership and for delivering on their commitments.”
According to NYSDOT’s mission statement: “It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.”